Campaigners have been celebrating the news that a Scout group have been allowed to return to their much-loved home after a U-turn on a decision to evict them.

1st Newton Aycliffe Scouts have been given permission to return to their home of some 40 years following an unexpected decision by the Newton Aycliffe Scouts Supporters Association (NASSA) that forced them to leave.

The group were originally given just 30 days’ notice to leave the premises on Bluebell Way on August 1, but following community backlash that included an organised protest outside the hall the decision has now been reversed.

Read more: Newton Aycliffe Scouts: Devastation as committee evicts group

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The news was confirmed at a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee last night (September 13) at Great Aycliffe Town Council chaired by Cllr Arun Chandran, after several meetings with NASSA and chairman Phil Parsley.

Town Clerk Dan Austin read a statement clarifying the agreement that permits the Scouts’ return under the following conditions:

  • First, the two Scout leaders who are “currently barred” will not be permitted to enter the bar area or attend committee meetings but will be able to conduct scouting activities.
  • Second, all other scout leaders will be permitted to give a report at committee meetings as one vote on the committee is given on behalf of the scouts.
  • The plan of charging a hall fee to the Scout groups will be deferred until the next planned AGM in April 2024.

Mr Austin continued: “I hope this goes some way to addressing the concerns of the Councillors and public present at the meeting tonight and that you can appreciate that the Town Council can only go so far, without seeking legal advice on how we might formally intervene, in influencing the situation further.

The Northern Echo:

“However, we have always felt that the primary concern and most important issue here was to get the scout group back into their home and hopefully by liaising with the two parties we have found a compromise solution that delivers on that aim.”

Those involved in the campaign including Durham County Councillor Neville Jones who set up the 'SOS - Save Our Scouts' campaign and Sedgefield MP Paul Howell expressed their joy at the news.

Cllr Jones said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Scouts have been returned to their rightful home. Common sense has prevailed.”

Mr Howell said: “I of course am pleased that the Scouts themselves are not going to be affected and that we have them back where they should be.

“Clearly, that is a step in the right direction. I think there are still questions to be answered in regards to whether they followed procedures but I am sure that will be followed through in time”

However, whilst there was a sense of joy for the Scouts, many attending the meeting felt the NASSA committee itself should also be under scrutiny, with one attendee calling their actions “shameful”.

Members of the public echoed this sense of unfinished business, with many raising concerns over finances, the use of the building and “conflict of interests”.

1st Newton Aycliffe Scouts Leader Sharon Hutchinson, who has been Treasurer of NASSA since April 2023 was the only committee member who attended the meeting and spoke publicly about the exclusion.

“Although I was present on August 1 when the decision to remove the Scouts was made – I did vote against it,” she said.

“I also have not been privy to the discussions that have taken place since.”

“(The decisions) were completely unjustified. The process was not followed, it was not in line with the constitution, and I have no doubt other members will concur.”

The agenda closed with mentions of a special general meeting of NASSA, due to be held soon with hopes to call a vote of no confidence in the current committee.

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Chair Cllr Arun Chandran closed the agenda by assuring attendees that the council will take a strong interest in NASSA and the Scout Hall moving forward.    

He said: “We will be monitoring this situation very closely. Everyone is united – I don’t think anyone in this town is not apart from some of the committee members mentioned.

“Thank you all for the information you have given us, keep us fully informed and the next stage I now expect will be the special meeting that will be coming up.”